Over 650 sign petition against Bearsden hub

A woman has delivered a petition with over 650 signatures to the council from people who oppose plans for a new community hub in Bearsden.

Meg Macfarlane set up an online and paper petition in a bid to represent the views of many local people who object to the council’s proposals.

She says residents are worried about a lack of parking at the new hub, which will be located in the current Burgh Hall building on Drymen Road.

People are also concerned about increased traffic and congestion, the external appearance of the facility and the sale of Brookwood Library and Bearsden registry office to raise the funds for the new hub.

Meg said: “I’d like to thank everyone who signed the petition.

“I had a great deal of encouragement and support and many people were prominent members of the community.

“Traders were also very supportive and took my petition to allow customers to sign it.

“I was amazed that so many people didn’t seem to know about the council’s hub plans.

“With due diligence I believe I spoke to far more people than the council representatives have.

“Most were horrified that the library and registry office were going to be sold.”

She added: “There are many excellent people who work for the council and they deserve better from the people at the top.

“It’s shocking that our valuable assets are being sold off, often for far less than their value, while council leaders give themselves thousands of pounds in pay rises - often backdated.”

Thomas Glen, Director of East Dunbartonshire Council’s Development and Regeneration, said: “The council recognises the concerns from some members of the community over changes to the local service delivery.

“The £3m-plus development of the Community Hub at Bearsden Burgh Hall is aimed at improving local accessibility to a range of public services and providing an enhanced community resource for the people of Bearsden.

“The current design has been developed in partnership with service providers, the Council’s development partner hub West Scotland, and has taken on board feedback derived from a number of well publicised community engagement sessions and focus groups involving current user groups of the Burgh Hall, Kilmardinny House and Brookwood, Community Councils and Tenants and Residents Associations; and members of the public.”